In the latest outbreak of unrest in New York City, more than two dozen anti-Israel protesters were apprehended, including a Brooklyn bartender and a liberal arts graduate. The demonstrations, which took place near the star-studded Met Gala on the Upper East Side, descended into chaos as a historic World War I memorial was vandalized in Central Park and an American flag was burned.

Among those arrested was Alvin Dan, a serial protester from Staten Island, who had previously disrupted the iconic Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade during an anti-Israel demonstration. Dan was also accused last year of harassing a conservative Jewish journalist at the bar where he worked. He now faces charges of resisting arrest and obstruction of justice.

Another arrested protester is a liberal arts graduate identified as a 21-year-old woman. Her Instagram page displayed support for the "Day of Rage" and included statements advocating for a free Palestine. She has been charged with resisting arrest and attempted disorderly conduct. A sixth protester, Leila Nouri, 21, faces serious charges of felony assault, resisting arrest, attempted assault, and harassment after allegedly injuring a police officer.

In addition to Dan, Nouri, and the liberal arts graduate, three others were arrested and charged with various offenses. Many of the other demonstrators were served summonses for disorderly conduct before being released.

The protests, organized by the activist group Within Our Lifetime, were part of a larger demonstration outside the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Met Gala. The event was labeled a "Day of Rage" and aimed to draw attention to the Palestinian cause. The protesters, numbering over 1,000, marched from Hunter College but were eventually blocked by the police and diverted towards Central Park.

In Central Park, the situation took a more destructive turn as anarchists defaced the WWI 107th Infantry Memorial, set fire to the US flag, and vandalized a Civil War monument. Stickers with messages such as "Stop the Genocide. End the apartheid. Free Palestine" were found scattered throughout the area.

The NYPD has condemned the actions, with Deputy Commissioner Operations Kaz Daughtry describing them as "unacceptable behavior that will not be tolerated." Hate crimes in the city have been on the rise, particularly anti-Jewish acts, according to recent statistics released by the NYPD. The incidents in April alone witnessed a 39% increase compared to the same month last year.

Local residents in the Upper East Side expressed their disgust and disappointment with the protesters' actions. Some called for respect and empathy towards memorials honoring those who sacrificed their lives in service to the country.

As investigations continue, the individuals responsible for the acts of vandalism will face legal consequences. The NYPD is determined to bring them to justice and send a strong message that defacing city landmarks will not be tolerated.

The incident has reignited debates surrounding the Palestinian cause, freedom of expression, and the boundaries of peaceful protests.